Dine Brands International is strengthening its global franchise expansion strategy by rolling out more dual-branded Applebee’s and IHOP restaurants in 2025. This approach combines two globally recognized brands in one location, maximizing operational efficiency and enhancing guest experience.
Building on the momentum from 2024, when 36 new restaurants opened across multiple countries, Dine Brands is entering new markets with its signature dual-branded concept.
Costa Rica: Franchisee BLT UK Holdings, which pioneered the first dual-branded site in Honduras in 2024, will launch a new location in San José by summer 2025.
Mexico: ATH Group will open a dual-branded outlet at the Parador Pedro Escobedo travel center, while Grupo Shogua will debut an IHOP at Felipe Ángeles International Airport in Mexico City.
These openings highlight the brand’s commitment to both traditional and non-traditional venues, adapting formats to capture diverse consumer traffic.
Currently, 18 Applebee’s + IHOP dual-branded restaurants are operating across seven countries: Canada, Honduras, Kuwait, Mexico, Peru, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. With 13 additional openings and 10 conversions planned, Dine Brands expects to reach 41 dual-branded locations worldwide by the end of 2025.
This growth underscores how dual-branded restaurants are becoming a key pillar in the company’s franchise expansion model.
To accelerate growth, Dine Brands is actively recruiting master franchisees and developers in several key markets:
North America: Mexico and Canada
Europe: Spain
Asia: South Korea and Japan
By offering multiple formats and flexible footprints, the company is enabling investors to enter new markets while meeting evolving consumer demands.
Scott Gladstone, President of Dine Brands Global International and Corporate Development, emphasized the adaptability of the expansion model:
“Our expansion plans create opportunities to adapt to local customs, tastes, and traditions, as well as new formats and varying footprints. We are committed to creating profitable opportunities for franchisees and unique experiences for our guests.”
Dine Brands’ franchise expansion strategy reflects the rising demand for dual-branded restaurants that deliver efficiency, variety, and market adaptability. With Applebee’s and IHOP continuing to grow internationally, opportunities for investors remain strong in both established and emerging markets.
Source: msn.com
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